Are you going to Occitania? Between traditions and history, discover the 15 extraordinary places to visit in the Gers!
In the heart of the former province of Gascony, the Gers is particularly marked by its exceptional terroir. Thousands of visitors flock to visit the Gers, a department renowned for its culinary specialties.
Indeed, it is the cradle of our emblematic foie gras, an important symbol of French gastronomy.
But it is also at the origin of many typical dishes such as rillettes, confits, or duck breasts. Besides, it is home to the mythical vineyards of Armagnac. This traditional brandy is now marketed all over the world.
The Gers is also characterized by its wild landscapes and its gastronomic heritage. A favorite place of agriculture, it is particularly marked by great local traditions and customs.
But it also has multiple historical and architectural remains. A true symbol of our unique culture, it promises you a most fantastic stay in the South-West. Still not convinced? Let’s discover 15 unusual activities to do in the Gers!
The 15 Best Things To Do in The Gers
1. The Gallo-Roman villa of Seviac
Discovered in the nineteenth century, it was only in the 1960s that this villa was completely cleared. A remnant of the Roman conquests in Gaul, the site dates from the first century AD.
Fortunately, if its structure has suffered the ravages of time, it retains many witnesses of its time.
Aside from its mosaics, thermal baths, and hypocaust, the Villa is an archaeological treasure in the Gers. It is classified among the Historical Monuments of France and will undoubtedly appeal to young and old!
2. Flaran Abbey
If the department is famous for its gastronomy, there are many activities to do in the Gers. Also, discovering its magnificent historical remains is an excellent way to explore the region.
In Valence-sur-Baïse, you can visit the splendid abbey of Flaran.
An old medieval building, it is one of the best-preserved in the South-West of France. Indeed, it preserves all of its buildings and gardens.
If it was built in the twelfth century, it still has exceptional Cistercian architecture.
3. Lavardens
Northwest of Auch, the town of Lavardens, is a must in the Gers. This small town of barely four hundred inhabitants has fabulous monuments.
Since 2011, it is also considered one of the most beautiful French villages. Arriving on-site, you can discover its magnificent church of the fifteenth century and its atypical bell tower.
Once you have admired its impressive structure, you can visit the Renaissance castle.
Since the seventeenth century, this fortress has overlooked the city with its imposing architecture. As you explore, you’ll learn more about the area and its surprising history!
4. Archaeological Museum the Treasure of Eauze
As you can see, there are multiple historical sites to visit in the Gers. The department houses an archaeology museum that houses local discoveries. It is located in Eauze, an ancient Gallo-Roman town called Elusa.
The site, therefore, presents many vestiges of this era that marked the history of the region. No doubt, this visit is likely to seduce culture lovers!
5. The Gardens of Coursiana
After a few historical visits, it’s time to get some fresh air. Fortunately, you can find many outdoor activities to do in the Gers. One of them takes you to discover the famous Gardens of Coursiana.
The latter is located in La Romieu, a few kilometers from Condom. It is a splendid park of six hectares, home to a botanical garden and an arboretum. It will be your pleasure to relax, step by step, in this small set of plants.
6. Lake Uby
Between Cazaubon and Barbotan-Les-Thermes, Lac de l’Uby is a fabulous natural site. It is open to the public all summer and offers many activities in the Gers. You can swim in its peaceful waters or take the opportunity to fish.
Indeed, it is full of superb catches for fans of this hobby. In high season, you could even try some water sports. Between paddle, pedal boat, or rowing, you will be spoilt for choice to have fun!
7. Lectoure Cathedral
The main religious building of the eponymous town, the cathedral of Lectoure, is a must-see monument to visit in the Gers. It dates from the twelfth century and has been exceptionally well preserved over the ages.
Its Gothic architecture makes it, even today, a true historical jewel. As you discover, you will also learn more about the religious wars that the region has experienced.
8. Lake Bousquètara
If you are wondering what to do in the Gers during the summer season, you could go and cool off in a lake. Indeed, the department is full of pleasant water points inviting to swim.
Of course, leisure enthusiasts will also indulge in many water activities such as fishing.
At Lake Bousquètara, you can take the time to relax on the shores and enjoy the sun. Nothing like disconnecting a little from the routine!
9. The palm grove of Sarthou
The palm grove of Sarthou is one of the remarkable gardens to visit in the Gers. There are nearly eight hectares of exotic plants and animals in this park.
With a real change of scenery, you can admire plants from all over the world. But you can also enjoy their multiple exhibitions and the heritage farm.
10. Château Garreau
Gascony is a territory with a rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. As we said, it is the cradle of many French culinary traditions. But it is also the land of origin of one of the oldest kinds of brandy: Armagnac.
The winegrowers who produce it are therefore essential to visit in the Gers. At Château Garreau, you can discover more than three hundred years of the history of this very special alcohol.
We bet you will love these places with an unusual past between terroir and tasting!
11. The Raptor Park
Ornithology enthusiasts may love this activity to do in the Gers. On nearly five hectares, this park takes you to discover the most beautiful raptors in the world.
During your visit, you can even attend amazing shows and falconry performances.
For example, you can enjoy an extraordinary owl ballet performed by owls from around the world. You can also see amazing animals such as vultures or bald eagles. A breathtaking visit for young and old!
12. Green in the air
Thrill-seekers can take advantage of visiting the Gers to put themselves to the test. At Le Vert en L’air, they will compete against more than eighty-five tree climbing workshops.
A few meters above the ground, they can have fun swinging and testing courage!
Moreover, those who are more adventurous will be able to enjoy the park’s giant zip line. Over more than one hundred and sixty meters, they will fly over this exceptional site!
13. The Castle of Malliac
The Château de Malliac is a symbol of the Gers. It settled in the twelfth century south of the Dordogne and has overlooked the landscape ever since.
Over time, its medieval fortifications have given way to splendid modern restorations.
Nowadays, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the region. It mainly hosts events and weddings but also offers specialized stays. Over one or two nights, you will then discover the history of this fortress.
14. Lake Thoux Saint-Cricq
The water sports of Lake Thoux Saint-Cricq are a must in the Gers. Throughout the summer, the site offers multiple activities for visitors. You can sunbathe on the shores of the lake or on the edges of the pool.
Nevertheless, you will also have the opportunity to indulge in pedal boats or canoes if you wish. Sports enthusiasts can even try paddleboarding or sailing!
15. Larressingle
Often considered a small Carcassonne, the village of Larressingle is a mandatory stop to make in the Gers. It has been ranked among the most beautiful communes in France in recent years. Due to its medieval fortifications, it does indeed have a unique setting.
Walking through its cobbled streets, you can enjoy its special atmosphere. Between history and traditions, you are not likely to get bored in Laressingle!
16. See also in the Gers
The Dordogne is a fascinating region known for its atypical traditions and unique history in canoes. Additionally, visiting the Gers is always an enriching experience for tourists.
We have presented some unusual activities in the Gers, but the department has many others.
You can visit the beautiful cities of Auch or Mirande. These are also home to multiple museums and monuments.
In the same way, adventure buffs will be able to explore the region’s fabulous caves and underground rivers. Between nature and culture, your trip still promises to be unforgettable!
How to get to the Gers
By plane
To get to the Gers by plane, you will have to land in Toulouse and reach your destination by bus, train, or car. We recommend using a flight comparator like Skyscanner.
The latter will help you find the best flight for your stay at a low price. However, the department, unfortunately, has no commercial airport.
All aboard
To visit the Gers, there’s nothing like a road trip! You can reach Auch via the A62 or A20 from the north of France.
Then simply follow the N21 or N524 to get to your destination. From the West or South of France, you will have to favor the A68 or the A61.
By train
Despite not being accessible by air, the department is fortunately accessible by land.
With the train, you can easily reach the main cities of the Gers region. Mirande, Auch, and Condom all have particularly well-served train stations.
Where to stay in the Gers
As we have seen, there are many activities to do in the Gers. However, most of them are spread across the country. Also, we recommend that you find accommodation in one of the main cities.
Therefore, you will have a fairly central position in relation to the various tourist attractions. With the help of a hotel comparator, you can find a room for your stay in Auch or Mirande.
For the summer period, the rates for a reservation vary between 30 and 100 € per night. Then, all you have to do is choose what you want to visit in the Gers!
However, the Gers is mainly known for its local traditions and specialties. Therefore, you could choose to stay in the countryside to discover this region better.
In a cottage or a private accommodation, you can live in the heart of Gers customs. If you want to find accommodation of this kind, we recommend sites like Airbnb.
You can easily find an apartment or a house ideal for your holidays. Some destinations also offer charming cottages or villas.
Finally, as these rentals are perfectly equipped and comfortable, you will only have to put down your suitcases and enjoy.
Closer to nature, we bet you will have no trouble disconnecting from the routine! To find the solution that suits you best, do not hesitate to use a hotel comparator.
Now that you know what to do in the Gers pack your bags and go on an adventure!
